Indiana State University Newsroom

National Intelligence Council chairman provides lessons to Indiana State students, faculty

November 2, 2012

Indiana State University senior Simon Vega learned quite a bit about the nation's affairs in classes he needed for his legal studies and political science double major.

Yet he didn't pass up the opportunity to learn more, not from a textbook, but by directly asking questions to Christopher A. Kojm, the chairman of the National Intelligence Council. The National Intelligence Council supports the Director of National Intelligence in his role as head of the Intelligence Community and is the IC's center for long-term strategic analysis.

Vega was one of the students who listened to Kojm speak about international economics, global trends and the future during his recent visit to Indiana State. Kojm gave presentations to several groups of Indiana State students and faculty members about his work in government, including at the State Department. He also answered questions from students and faculty members on a variety of topics and situations.

"I actually asked him a couple of questions and his answers were very eye-opening," said Vega, who is from Portage, referring to topics Kojm addressed that many might not think of that impact the nation's well-being. "He stated many key factors dealing with agriculture, clean energy and international trade involving the nation's economy and its future. I was very honored to be able to meet someone of such prestige."

In addition to speaking with students, Kojm also discussed some international affairs with faculty members who do research on various parts of the world, at times asking questions about current events in different countries.

"Mr. Kojm's visit provided an opportunity for our students and faculty to see how what they're doing in the classroom relates to the world, and in particular U.S. foreign policy," said Chris McGrew, director of International Programs and Services at ISU. "Chris provided some great insights that engaged not only our students, but some of our faculty members as well."

Kojm also received questions from students about careers in international affairs.

"It's important to do these speaking engagements," Kojm said. "Ultimately the purpose is not just to inform, but to attract young people to careers in public service because we need people who are very talented."

The students' questions and discussions impressed Kojm and Bassam Yousif, ISU associate professor of economics whose class was visited during one of Kojm's presentations. The National Intelligence Council chairman's visit to Indiana State came just weeks after former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, who served as vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission, visited ISU in September to kick off the university's 2012-2013 Speaker Series. "It is great to have someone from outside ISU applying the knowledge that the students are learning to look at real-world issues," Yousif said of Kojm's visit.

Kirk Owusu Moore, a sophomore legal studies major from Ghana, also enjoyed the insights Kojm shared during his visit, which extended beyond classroom lessons.

"Being an international student, it helps give you perspective on how the world is moving around us," Moore said. "I think ISU should have these visits really often."

It also was beneficial for students to get a better idea of the job opportunities that exist within the government, which exist in a variety of capacities, Yousif said.

"I think what they will take away from the visit is there are interesting things going on," he added, "and that perhaps they want to be a part of it."